Sunnyvale veterans get Quilts of Valor in honor of Veterans Day

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Photo Jacqueline Ramseyer/Bay Area News Group/November 9, 2016
The Quilts of Valor Foundation, in partnership with the city of Sunnyvale Community Services Senior Center and the SV/CU Adult School, presented the 2016 Veteran’s Day “Quilts of Valor” Awards at the senior center on Nov. 9. Thirteen quilts, made by volunteers, were presented to military veterans.
Jerilyn Lightfoot gives a hug to WWII Army veteran Gene Gilman after gifting him a quilt, titled “Stars and Bars,” that was made by Lightfoot’s husband. Lightfoot, a Blue Star Mom, is the the State Coordinator of California Bay Area/Silicon Valley for the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

A group of veterans were thanked for their service in a unique and comforting manner on Nov. 9, with each receiving a single star, a handmade quilt and a hug.

The city of Sunnyvale partnered with Operation Freedom Paws and Quilts of Valor to hold a special celebration in honor of veterans from World War II onward.

The celebration, complete with furry friends from Operation Freedom Paws and refreshments, was held at the Sunnyvale Senior Center and was attended by a small group of friends and family. Veterans were able to choose their own quilt and received “orphan stars” while swapping stories ahead of Veterans Day.

“This one shouted out to me. It’s all my colors,” Army veteran Lee Bell said, pointing to his quilt.

Bell’s quilt, a more abstract piece of art with blue, red and yellow patches in a variety of swirling patterns, was made by local volunteers in the Quilts of Valor program. Lee was accompanied by his support dog Bella, whom he got through Operation Freedom Paws.

His quilt choice was solidified when Bella made her way to the colorful quilt. Bell, who served from 2006 to 2008, said he was especially touched to receive an “orphan star,” stars that come from flags that cannot be sold due to a defect.

“I’m a disabled veteran. I felt like I couldn’t do my job anymore in the military. I felt damaged; I felt like one of those single stars,” Bell said.

This is the second year that Sunnyvale has joined with Quilts of Valor to host the event. Nancy Hextell, recreational coordinator for the city, said she first contacted Jerilyn Lightfoot, Bay Area coordinator for Quilts of Valor Foundation, two years ago. “I’m hoping it continues. I know it touched so many of the people this year as well as last year,” said Hextell.

To get in contact with veterans, Quilts of Valor got in touch with Kathy Waddell from Operation Freedom Paws.

“I was advertising a fundraiser at Marie Calendar’s for Operation Freedom Paws, and I talked to Nancy and she said, ‘Do you know any vets?’ I know a whole lot,” Waddell said with a laugh.

Operation Freedom Paws is an agency that provides service dogs to veterans with disabilities free of charge. Waddell estimates that 85 percent of clients are veterans with disabilities.

The dogs peacefully dozed near their veteran friends throughout the event. Many recipients said their quilts will be shared with their canine companions.

“This will keep both of us warm,” said Stephen Loy, a Navy veteran there with his dog Merlin.

Loy’s star-spangled quilt was titled “Home and Hearth.” He served from 1969 to 1977 in the Vietnam War and beyond. Loy said he chose his quilt because it was brightly colored and felt cheerful.

“Vietnam ended in 1975. It’s nice to finally be welcomed home,” said Loy. “Today is the first day I feel like the civilian component has welcomed me home.”

Quilts of Valor was started in 2001 by military mother Catherine Roberts from her home in Delaware. She was inspired after her son was deployed to Iraq. Since 2003, the organization has spread across the country.

Victoria Kezra is a reporter covering Sunnyvale. She is a Syracuse University alumna and has previously written for The Syracuse New Times, The Daily Beast and The Jerusalem Post. She never seems to have enough milk in her house.

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